This flight signified the end of the my short visit back to the UK for Xmas and also meant a rather early start that morning as I had been up rather late the night before. My parents both came to the airport with me and left me right at the end of the Terminal 4 departure ramp so I didn't have far to walk to the BA Club World check-in desks. The terminal seemed really rather empty although I was met at Club World check-in by uniformed BA staff asking my class of travel. He noticed my Silver tags on the luggage and waved me through. Only three desks open today, which seemed a definite step down from the usual complement however I was the only person making up the line today so was soon waved forward to the next available agent. Was handed my boarding pass (unfortunately main deck as I had been unable to OLCI the day before and all seats upstairs were taken) and visa waiver forms before being ushered off in the direction of Fast Track security. The line for PlebTrack wasn't too bad today although soon after I made my way to the head of the FastTrack line a great swathe of people were let through from the other side.

After passing through I headed for the Gate 1 Terraces lounge, a departure from my usual Terminal 4 departure routine that involves heading Lounge Pavilion-wards to book myself into the Spa. Frankly I wasn't that fussed today and I figured the walk was a waste of time as I hadn't given myself enough time to secure an appointment. Instead I went upstairs to see the slightly revamped area of the lounge where it was apparent the Terraces Lounge trademark fountain had been removed. I settled in with a Newcastle Brown Ale beside the window, a 767 below me, my brain presuming it was a longhaul configuration and a 747 besides it which soon pushed back.

I then moved downstairs to the World Wine Bar besides the smoking lounge and got myself a couple of packs of the rather delicious Kettle Chips. Unfortunately though it appeared my favourite flavour, the Mango Chilli from the EDI Terraces weren't in today Nevertheless, the sea salt and cracked pepper were great so looked forward to enjoying them during my layover at Dulles.

As boarding time got closer I decided to move down to the Lounge Pavilion as my flight was going from Gate 11. Had a quick look at the Best of Britain shop and yep, I'm still there, albeit in form of 8yr model Checked in upstairs in the lounge and jumped on the internet quickly, again with a glass of Newcastle! From where I was sitting by the window I got a good view of people coming into the lounge and saw one particular guy waltz in while pretending to be on the phone. The lounge staff called for him and beckoned him, he then pretended to put the phone down and then it appeared he wasn't eligible for access and was given the boot!!! Quite funny to see the ways, some people try to get themselves into lounges, some better than others!

Gate 10 Terraces Lounge

I then realised I'd as good as torn my boarding pass in half thanks to sitting on it so swapped it out for another at the front desk. Boarding time was nearing and then my flight went yellow before it went green (a reference to BA's departure screens that list 'Go to Gate X' in Green, then 'Boarding Gate X' in Yellow, 'Gate Closing' in Red) so drank up and headed down for boarding.

Gate 11 is one of the worst locations for a Gate as the corridor narrows significantly and so the crowds get in the way of everyone else who is trying to get to other parts of the concourse. BA had a Fast Track line for priority boarding which seems to be doing it''s job as there was no line when I arrived, although I had to force my way through a couple of people who thought I was jumping in ahead of them! Down the jetway to find, errr an enormous line! No announcement from the lounge about remote stand which was my first inclination. In the end stood waiting for about 10mins and I looked around at my fellow passengers for the flight. It was at this time I noticed more and more people are dressing for flights as though they are going to nightclubs...fur coats, revealing blouses, jeans hanging off backside in a way that would make a construction worker proud Not sure who these ladies (in the loosest sense of the word) were trying to impress but it certainly wasn't me, and I'd like to think I am a red-blooded male After a few minutes of people watching the line began to move aircraft-wards and it was apparent there was no remote stand factor today! Just the crew weren't quite ready!

I showed my boarding pass to one of the two FAs on stand directing passengers, left, right and upwards. As we were boarding through door 2L I got the chance to turn left (again ) This actually was nice as it meant the continual stream of people going down the aisle to the back of plane didn't get in the way As I put my bag on the seat to retrieve my First pyjamas the purser, Iain, asked if I wanted a hanger to put them on. Impressive! So I took the hanger and went to the correct bathroom to change! As I emerged I found the cabin a little more populated but still with a stream of people getting onboard and heading towards the back of the aircraft. Coincidentally the couple in 12J and 12K were also on my IAD-LHR flight on Xmas Eve, pretty noticeable as not many people travel in garish blue tracksuits! My neighbouring window seat was now occupied, quashing any hope of having my separate sleeping and eating seats again! I settled down into my seat and got out my music player and headphones to find the damn battery was flat! Resorted to just wearing the headphones which cut out all but speech on the ground. Iain came back inviting me to a selection of newspapers, my reply was 'Anything but the Daily Mail', he chuckled and came back with a Sunday Telegraph. I sat reading as the stragglers entered the cabin and settled. These included what appeared to be a 'honeymoon couple' in 13E and 13F who tipped glasses of champagne at each other at every opportunity, and also a family of four across 14D to 14G. Young teenage girl in 14D with two boys, one of about 13yrs old in 14E with a youngster in 14F and mother in 14G. They all seemed fairly non-plus and quite at home, the elder son playing with his PSP for most of the time.

]Smaller main deck Club World cabin on 747

As I sat with pre-flight champagne in hand the captain came over the PA to say we were going to be slightly delayed as the aircraft needed some de-icing so I settled back into my Telegraph and read the interesting bits pretty much cover to cover, Amenity kits and menus were handed out at this point and at every possible stage I tried to keep everything off the floor and seat in 'green light' position for takeoff. After some period of time, maybe 30 minutes or so it was apparent we were off. The crew went around clearing up after the Indian mother and daughter in 13K and 14K who refused to obey any instructions. They certainly marked themselves out as ignorant + newbies but I could rule it out as poor grasp of the English language. The crew asked them a number of times to put their shoes, handbags, coats, etc up in the overhead locker but they seemed oblivious to the command in hand which lead to a certain amount of apparent stress on the part of the crew. Eventually after a certain amount of gesticulating I got up out of my seat during the taxi to allow the crew to pick up the items in hand as it appeared the passengers in question weren't bothered. After the crew left for the galley the girl in 13K shrugged at me and looked out the window. The IFE had begun before we had even got off the ground and by this time we had crossed 27L and were at the holding point for 27R.

Takeoff was to the west, although not in a window seat I was enjoying the view until the mother beside me decided I was enjoying it rather too much and closed all the window shades! By the time we got to cruising altitude the crew were coming around with the drinks trolley. Elinor and Iain were two of the FAs in Club World main deck today. Apparently there was nobody in First so the two FAs assigned to that cabin came to help out which made for great service I took a Kir Royale and soon after ordered my appetiser from the menu.

Kir Royale

Leafing through the new copy of Highlife I actually found a film I was interested in watching! It doesn't often happen but I looked forward to watching 40yr Old Virgin! I settled in for a while as the CSD came over the PA saying the Well Being video wasn't working (Shame ) and that we would be watching a video about entering the US and immigration forms. From the same staple as the old safety video it was ancient, Landor livery and all! It went through filling out the forms (not even sure why I watched it as I had entered the US more times than I care to remember since the production of this video) and the date of arrival of the mythical passenger was 1991! :O

I then settled in watching the film previews, slightly slumped in my seat being a little lazy, all the while supping on my Kir Royale

My initial choice of Roast red onion rocket was unavailable although as it turned out later the last one had gone to the lady in 13G so I went with the crayfish tails. I'd had them before in BA Club World and they were pretty good so wasn't too upset about this! Iain asked if I was after a glass of wine and I opted for the Sancerre which was delicious, he also offered a glass of water which seemed a good idea at the time!

Crayfish tails and pink grapefruit

As Iain placed the starter on the table it was noticeable the edge that sits on a runner on the right hand side of the seat was a little loose. He asked if I wanted a blanket or pillow to put on my knee to hold it in place. I spared him the hassle of retrieving an extra pillow or blanket and said I'd be careful! The crayfish tails were excellent, as was the salad (with new dressing) which I went through carefully, making sure I didn't accidentally swallow a tomato that was rather well hidden. Sundried tomatoes Chopped tomatoes Sliced tomatoes Have to say I can't explain it either but I just want to throw up if I get a little taste of sliced tomato!

As Iain took the tray away he asked which main I was after and partly to see if BA's catering folks have improved the dish, and partly because everything else seemed a little uninspirational I went for the steak. My actual order was, 'I'll be brave and go for the steak' to which he laughed, probably because at this second it was being turned into a piece of shoe leather in the galley behind me!

In the time taken to cook the steak I had managed to let my table full of drinks fall off of it's runner in a rather fierce manner The glass of water emptied itself, the wine a little so and the Kir Royale was as low as it always was Fortunately I was wearing the pyjamas and somehow managed to escape most of the wet feeling although the seat cushion felt a little damp. Iain offered to move me to a free seat in the second Club World cabin although I declined and said I'd then take him up on the offer of a second blanket! He then took my glasses away and nicely topped them up for me.

Feeling only a little damp I settled into my steak. It wasn't as bad as feared, admittedly closer to school food than restaurant but better than previous offerings out of IAD and SFO and the vegetables still lacked a little quality to them. However I was hungry and before long they were all gone! Nevertheless the preparation of the steak is getting a little better each time.

For dessert I opted for the cheesecake, not being a huge fan of rhubarb I thought I would end up leaving half of it behind. Alas, no, the whole lot went, along with the delicious mini box of chocolates!

Baked rhubarb and vanilla cheesecake

After the movie ended I fetched out my latest Shopping the World voucher and got myself a rather handy adaptor for all my UK plug based appliances...and for free you can't complain!

I put the bed down and pulled the blanket and First eyeshades over me for some shuteye and woke up well over the coast of Canada. After a few minutes Elinor passed through the cabin and offered a bottle of water from the basket. I gladly accepted it and went for a walk down the back of the aircraft to stretch my legs.

View from galley window

After sitting around for best part of 25 minutes and following our progress on the skymap I was concerned I'd slept through afternoon tea, apparently with the rest of the cabin! After some time I heard some clanking the galley behind and it turned out I hadn't. To be honest I usually find afternoon tea the poorest offering of the meals in Club World, usually not helped by the lacklustre choices of sandwich and presentation.

__________________________________

SNACKS

Sandwiches of roast beef with whole-grain mustard and Brie cheese with apple and celery

I opted for the Chicken Caesar-y thingy and a coffee and have to say if the crew in First manage to serve it from a silver salver onto a plate why can't they bring them on a plate here? Makes it look so much better than being wrapped in cellophane! Anyways, rant about the presentation over, the sandwiches themselves were alright. No picking of tomatoes from these ones!

Sandwiches of chicken Caesar with Red Leicester cheese and mature Cheddar cheese with pickle and coffee

After passing over Boston I usually go to the galley and freshen up for my arrival. I decided since the food service was over with and since I'd spilled my flight's quota of alcohol across the seat it was probably safe to be able do this! So I fetched my washbags from the overhead and Iain collected my clothes from the closet across from my seat. I returned looking and smelling a little better than 30 minutes previous and settled in for the final portion of the flight.

Roz, one of the FA's previously assigned to First came down the aisle asking if anybody required assistance upon our arrival. I said I didn't but asked out of curiousity what her duties were onboard the flight since nobody was in First today. She explained she was to help out in Club World but offered to show me around the First cabin if I wanted. Although I'd flown First a few times I thought maybe they'd let me stay up there for the landing so off we went and for about 20 minutes Roz chatted to me about her upcoming trips to Cape Town and I remarked I was flying there next month so that got a bit of conversation running. Before I knew it there were a few PAs directed at the crew indicating we were only a few minutes short of landing at Dulles. I said that should be my calling card to head back to 13K and off I went to tuck myself back into the seat.

Although dark I managed to deduce we landed on 1R and so taxied across between Concourse C/D and Concourse G to the usual BA gates where we would be met by mobile lounges to take us across to the immigration point. As I gathered my bags from the overhead locker the girl in 13K who had caused problems at the start of the flight asked me to fetch her bags from the locker above, she was clearly capable of doing it herself so I looked puzzled for about 15 seconds, while she was pointing upwards. Reluctantly I went with the vaguely chivalrous approach and got her stuff out, plonking it on the seat instead of her outstretched arm, I rolled my eyes at her scowled and gathered my own stuff and headed for the exit

Having flown into Washington a number of times I knew how to get myself ahead of the usual crowds at immigration so watched as everyone went as far away from the entry doors as possible! The Washington regulars on the other hand were all gathered as close to the doors as possible! After our bus was full we drove around to the immigration point which was thankfully empty, although pretty standard for the arrival of BA293. I was the first off our flight through immigration (the officer exceptionally chipper this evening ) and so stood between one of the two carousels that is inevitably used for this flight. A number of my fellow Club World passengers happened to gather close to me, probably thinking I knew something they didn't. Well, to be honest my suspicions were proven correct and the carousel beside me started. However I held little hope of making a quick escape as is usual when checking 'Priority luggage' with BA. Again I was let down as my bag came through sans priority tag about 20-25mins after the first lot of bags started coming through, BA really need to take a leaf out of the Star Alliance book with regard to this. Strangely some bags arrived with Priority tags, and I know there was nobody in First! Possibly bags connecting from Europe or BA Golds using the F check-in...I don't know! Seems such a lottery either way!

So bags in hand I left a crowd of well over 150 people at the carousel and headed for customs point. Some fools tried to pass through where there was no officer and were subsequently shouted at. For some reason they stood still and looked really confused so I nipped around them, surrendered my customs form and decided against rechecking my bags and staying airside. The things I do to avoid spending time in United Red Carpet Clubs

After coming back landside in order to kill a few minutes I headed upstairs back onto the departures level and headed for United's check-in desks right at the other end of the building. The first time I have walked the length of the building with two bags and a suitcase and probably the last!

Fortunately the Star Alliance Gold counter was without line so I went straight to see the agent. The same couldn't be said for the UA 1K / GS and International First line which was snaked around the barriers with a rather large group of travellers!

I made sure my Lufthansa number was in the booking and asked if I could volunteer to have my bag screened in front of me so I could send it locked. The agent almost fell of his chair thinking I was volunteering to be a selectee! No sir! Eventually he understood and handed me my boarding pass with Gate D6 on it. Was pleasantly surprised to learn I would once again avoid Concourse G

I then wheeled my case round where UA bags are screened. A thumbsup later and I was in and out of security, another non-existent line at this time which surprised me. I caught the mobile lounge out to Concourse C where I also saw a couple of BA passengers, almost wanted to tell them they were on the wrong bus and had a long walk ahead of them, but then I was also on the wrong bus. Well for me it was about the same either way and having been to the RCC at Gate D6 on my outbound flight I thought I'd try the others.

I headed towards the Gate C17 Red Carpet Club only a short walk from the arriving mobile lounge and settled into the near empty lounge. I sat watching CNN Headline News from a distance so I was in close proximity to the refreshment island. The plastic cups were so small I had to refill my water about every two minutes

United Red Carpet Club at Gate C17

After about 45minutes I left and went to the Gate C7 lounge a 'short' walk up the Concourse, the lounges were closing at 9.30pm just in time for boarding of my flight. As my boarding pass was swiped and I entered the lounges I heard giggling behind me and 'He looks just like Tom Cruise'. Now I look at myself in the mirror every morning and certainly don't look anything like the guy, yet people still say it! It confuses me to this day! As soon as I sat down though I noticed all the bar staff about 20ft away from me congregated at the end of the bar looking over at me. A little disconcerting to say the least. Maybe the new 'Tom Cruise' was in today had spread...

Anyway I grabbed a water and a couple of cookies on my way through to the sitting area and took a seat in the corner beside the window so I could charge up and listen to my music player. I enjoyed just chilling out but got time to reflect on how worn out and threadbare all the furniture was. It looked like something out of a skip!

United Red Carpet Club at Gate C7

Then again I am a little spoiled as in my experience of numerous airline lounges I am convinced that an average BA lounge is far above the standard of most other airline lounges. Frankly I may moan but then I bet anyone outside on the concourse would have traded places with me!

The group I saw at the 1K check-in entered the lounge soon after and took up a couple of groupings, some of whom sat beside and opposite me, so I got up and moved to another corner listening to a random Sasha Essential Mix which made me feel a lot better about my surroundings I watched as people came in and out of the lounge as flights mainly to Europe were called although gradually the place emptied out until I was one of the few remaining people

At about 9.15pm I packed up my music player and headed down to Gate D6 where a flight to Buffalo was leaving in addition to mine. Within about 30 seconds of sitting down the invitation for Star Golds, etc etc was made to board and so I got up and headed (alone once more!) to the gate. I headed down the jetway and outside to be directed towards our aircraft.

I was welcomed onboard and directed to 11A (hard to get lost on an ERJ!). I asked if my larger bag could be put in the closet, as it had been on RIC-IAD, as I had some bottles in it which I didn't want leaking or smashed. Unfortunately was given a and asked to put in overhead or under the seat. Now for those who have flown an ERJ you'll know the A seats barely have enough room to store a toothbrush let alone a large bag. So I put my Tumi bag in the overhead and kept the large bag on my lap as I waited for boarding to be completed. As it happened 4B and 4C were free so moved up there. Underneath the B and C seats there was just enough room for my bag.

There were some problems with getting the engines started and our 9.55pm departure was put back about 25 minutes. I watched as the BA 747 I had arrived on pushed back and headed for runway 30 and departed Heathrow bound. The girl beside me in 4A was obviously tired and put her seatback tray down and put her pillow on it, as did her brother who slumped across 3B and 3C with his feet dangling in the aisle, much to the admonishment of the flight attendant who gave him a metaphorical beating, especially during the safety briefing!

We taxied round to runway 30 and from the ERJ's perspective the maze of taxiway lights looked rather impressive. A rapid takeoff and bank round to the south and after that I was lost! I couldn't make out much beyond Washington DC off to the left!

At about 9000ft, our cruising altitude, the FA made the announcement that electronic items could now be used, 'with the exception of cell phones, radios, pagers, George Foreman grills and portable kettles' We were informed that this flight was so short we'd get no beverage service, ah well, and we would arrive in Richmond in about 20mins. Soon the noticeable landmarks of Richmond became familiar, the large radio tower on Broad St, and downtown being the most recognisable.

We landed on runway 20 in rather fighter jet style, with a swooping approach and made the short taxi to the terminal. The FA made the announcement that those who checked luggage plane-side should wait onboard 'while the ground crew go through your bags, help themselves to the contents and return them to you a little lighter to help with your passage through the terminal'

As the plane pulled up rather comically there were no ground crew available so the pilot had to call on his cell phone and eventually some people arrived and we were let off. It was back through the Concourse where I had left a few days before where my girlfriend was waiting for me. We walked down to baggage claim where after juggling the arrival of five flights onto two belts our flight flashed up. Fortunately mine was one of the first through which allowed a speedy passage through the airport.

Verdict

BA Club World - Nothing new here. The crew were great, partly thanks to the help from the guys in First helping out and partly because they were very personable as always. The food is improving, however, the baggage handling STILL needs a magic wand waving over it.

United - Well the lounges at IAD aren't too bad, Fraser says stick to Gate D6 lounge if you are eligible for RCC access. It is the best of all three IMO. The flight was well, what can you say about a 23min flight with no service! The comical FA did add to the charm though.

What a great trip report-- I'm glad you made it back to the US safely!! I was wondering was the F cabin closed or did no one buy tickets?

I have to say the CW cabin is much more aesthetically (?) pleasing than F which kind of reminds me of a funeral parlor. Your pictures were really great. I agree that BA's catering is kind of shabby, especially the sandwiches wrapped in celophane. It seems to me that AA actually has better J catering, especially on its two class trans-Atlantic flights. Have you ever asked the crew to save an extra entree for you to eat as your tea meal?

Well I am flying with my girlfriend and got the UA tickets for cheap. Bought one with some spare BD miles and the other was pretty reasonable at 1700 GBP. Had I been patient I could have got two tickets in BA J for only a little more

Quoting Wrighbrothers (Reply 2):Anyway, hope your enjoy your time in the USA, and next trip on BA is to CPT in First I believe ?

Well I am flying to LHR on the 9th in UA, as mentioned, then onto CPT in First the following day.

Quoting CharlesMD (Reply 3):I was wondering was the F cabin closed or did no one buy tickets?

Nobody bought tickets. I presume the crew have to be rostered in case of walkups.

Quoting CharlesMD (Reply 3):It seems to me that AA actually has better J catering, especially on its two class trans-Atlantic flights. Have you ever asked the crew to save an extra entree for you to eat as your tea meal?

I said I was brave with the steak, but not brave enough to try AA J transatlantic ....

Nope didn't ask about saving the extra main, should try that next time.

Thanks so much for your awesome pics. I have a question: How many times can you edit a post on this forum? Also, is there a screening process to upload pictures?

Last week I photographed every seat on the BA 747-4 in F and would like to assemble them into a seating guide. But the problem is that I can't remember which seats are which. Would you or anyone else mind helping me if I posted the photos?

Oh, yes. IMO have a look at the Aviation Photography forum before submitting too many photos. I think to be honest the standards are a little too high, admittedly some of my shots aren't amazing but I've had some ridiculous rejections with nothing but a stock 'your photo has been rejected We have high standards' etc. How am I meant to know what I am doing wrong with that?
I can understand the need to keep high quality photos in the Airliners.net database but there is such a huge gulf between what makes it on airliners.net and the unscreened MyAviation.net stuff.

Enough ranting about screening though!

Quoting CharlesMD (Reply 10):Last week I photographed every seat on the BA 747-4 in F and would like to assemble them into a seating guide. But the problem is that I can't remember which seats are which. Would you or anyone else mind helping me if I posted the photos?

You took a photo of every seat! I hope for your sake the cabin was empty like on my flight!

I can give it a go if you want, in my defence I've not flown the 747 in F for over four years!

Quoting Fbgdavidson (Reply 4):Well I am flying with my girlfriend and got the UA tickets for cheap. Bought one with some spare BD miles and the other was pretty reasonable at 1700 GBP. Had I been patient I could have got two tickets in BA J for only a little more

Actually I did half the seats on the outbound and half the seats on the return. There were only 2 and 4 other pax in F on the flights and they were staff so I was like who the heck cares. I have also photographed every seat on CX in F. AA is taking a bit longer b/c the FAs are so skittish.

So I take it that you can edit your post for 30 min after you post it and not after?

great trip report! ba was great as usual...could you tell me that why was the chief cabin working in the club world and not is the first class?? is there a difference in uniform of the chief cabin and the normal crew?

thanks,
anirudh

The messages in this discussion express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of Airliners.net or any entity associated with Airliners.net.